A sea of humanity has flooded Har Ki Paidi on the occasion of Kartik Purnima on Friday.
The birth anniversary of the first guru of Sikh tradition Guru Nanak Dev was also observed on the day. As per police, over 16 lakh people have taken the holy dip at the fabled ghat till 4 pm.
The figure was expected to cross 20 lakh by the evening. However, the huge congregation of the devotees triggered a long traffic snarl on the National Highway.
The pilgrims had started pouring in since Thursday night. The railway station and the bus stand were chock a block with the people incessantly streaming in from across the country to take the holy dip on the auspicious occasion.
Since early morning, the pilgrims were seen thronging the fabled ghat known also as Brahmkund.
Besides, the Gurudwaras located in the city were appropriately decked on the occasion of Prakash Utsav.
The devotees thronged them in huge number and participated in the festival.
The day was observed at Tapasthan Sri Guru Amar Dass, Singh Sabha Gurudwara and Gol Gurudwara in Jwalapur.
Langar (community kitchen) was also held at various Gurdwaras in the city.
Dwelling on the significance of the day, a veteran priest of a temple said that taking holy dip in Ganga on the occasion of Kartik Purnima is believed to wash off the sins accumulated over seven lives.
“The tradition of taking dip in the holy river has been continuing since time immemorial, given the special spiritual significance of the day,” he added.
Speaking to The Pioneer, SSP Haridwar Ridhim Aggarwal said, "Nearly 18 lakh people are expected to take the holy dip by the end of the day.
The figure reached 16 lakh by 4 pm and more are coming,” SSP added.
SSP further said that they had declared the area around Har Ki Paidi as zero zone with no vehicle being allowed to pass.
Accompanied by her husband Ashok Sharma, the newly elected mayor of the city Anita Sharma offered Ardas (prayer) at Tapasthan Sri Guru Amar Dass on the day.